Every holiday season for the last 31 years, the Lighter Side of Christmas Parade has brought friends and family to Midland Avenue in Downtown Woodland Park to enjoy the “lighter” side of the holidays. Due to Covid-19 issues, the LSOC committee felt it would be safer to have events for this 32nd year to allow folks to be able to social distance and still participate in holiday activities. As a result, there will be no parade this year.
This year’s beneficiaries, Woodland Park Wind Symphony and Woodland Park Main Street, have combined efforts to turn our community into the “Soundz of the Season.” The Woodland Park Wind Symphony has recorded a special holiday concert that can be accessed through the Lighter Side of Christmas web site.
Now in its 26th year, the 60 Piece Woodland Park Wind Symphony has become a popular musical cornerstone of Woodland Park. A rarity for a small community, the WPWS and supporting ensembles perform throughout year for many local events, civic organizations and facilities including the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, Woodland Music Series, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies, and The Holiday Home Tour. The WPWS is an “all-volunteer” non-profit organization funded by donations and grants. More information available at www.woodlandparkwindsymphony.com.
Woodland Park Main Street is part of a nationwide movement striving to revitalize historic buildings, foster community among businesses, and create a place where people feel connected. Through their status as a Designated Main Street organization, WPMS has access to grant monies for historic preservation and downtown revitalization. Their goal is to work in collaboration with key partners and organizations in planning for the future of downtown Woodland Park. Their army of volunteers help make it all possible! For more information or to volunteer, visit www.WoodlandParkMainStreet.org
Lots of activities are scheduled for this holiday season. Starting Friday, November 13, clues will be provided to LSOC Gold Sponsors for the Lighter Side of Christmas Holiday Treasure Hunt. Put your creative juices to work this year for the LSOC Crazy 
Hat Contest, sponsored by Williams Log Cabin Furniture. This year the theme is “Soundz of the Season.” Entries can be dropped at Williams Log Cabin Furniture on Shop Small Saturday November 28 between 9 am and 1 pm. Local nonprofits and businesses are also teaming up for window decorating downtown Woodland Park starting November 28 as well.
The 2020 “Dan Makris Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest. This celebration is in honor of Dan Makris, long-time teacher and resident, who decorated his entire yard at Christmas time with lights, trains and much more to the delight of our community. The competition kicks off December 4th. Register your home or neighborhood by November 30th. Rampart Library District will once again host and sponsor the LSOC Gingerbread House Contest at 218 E. Midland Ave. Entries accepted on Dec 3rd and 4th 3 – 6 PM, and Dec 5th 10 AM – Noon.
The City of Woodland Park will host the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Memorial Park beginning at 3:30 PM on Friday, December 4th. A Petting Zoo, Candy Cane Lane and Photos with Santa will kick off the evening’s activities. At 5 PM you can Sing Along With Santa Social Hour followed by the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at 6 PM. A fireworks display will follow the tree lighting ceremony, visible from the park. For more info visit www.city-woodlandpark.org
Information on these and other holiday events are available at www.lightersideofchristmas.com and updates at www.facebook.com/LighterSideofChristmasParade and www.woodlandparkwindsymphony.com.
